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When it comes to keeping your home cool during a scorching Tallahassee summer, your air conditioner should be your best friend—not a source of confusion or concern. So, if you happen to spot ice forming on your AC unit, it’s easy to assume it might be working overtime to keep things cold. But here’s the truth: ice is never supposed to form on your AC. If it does, that’s a sure sign something is wrong.
At Peaden, our skilled HVAC technicians regularly respond to calls from frustrated homeowners dealing with frozen coils, blocked airflow, and declining cooling power. Let’s explore why ice forms on your AC, why it’s a problem, and the air conditioning repair in Tallahassee, FL that will fix it.
Why Ice Is a Red Flag, Not a Feature
Your air conditioner works by absorbing heat from inside your home and releasing it outside. This process depends on the proper circulation of refrigerant and unrestricted airflow. When something goes wrong in that system—like low refrigerant, poor airflow, or a malfunctioning component—the cold coils can drop below freezing, causing moisture in the air to freeze onto the unit.
And once ice forms, it only gets worse. The system loses efficiency, airflow slows down, and eventually, your AC might shut down altogether.
Common Causes of Ice on Your AC
Let’s break down the most common reasons you might see ice forming on your air conditioner:
1. Restricted Airflow
If air isn’t flowing properly over the evaporator coils, the coils can get too cold and cause moisture to freeze. Dirty air filters, blocked vents, or closed registers can all limit airflow.
What to Do: Check your air filter. If it’s dirty or clogged, replace it right away. Also, make sure all supply and return vents are open and unblocked.
2. Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant absorbs heat from your indoor air. If the refrigerant is too low—often due to a leak—the system can’t absorb enough heat, and the coils can freeze.
What to Do: Low refrigerant is a serious issue that requires a licensed technician. A Peaden Pro can locate the leak, repair it, and recharge your system safely.
3. Dirty Evaporator Coils
Dust and grime on the evaporator coils act as insulation, preventing heat absorption and contributing to freezing.
What to Do: Cleaning evaporator coils isn’t a DIY task. Schedule a professional cleaning with a Peaden Pro to safely restore your system’s efficiency.
4. Blower Fan Problems
If the blower fan isn’t running at the correct speed—or not at all—it can reduce airflow, leading to ice formation.
What to Do: Call in a Peaden Pro to inspect the blower motor and fan. Electrical issues or motor failure may be to blame.
5. Thermostat or Control Issues
If your thermostat isn’t regulating temperatures correctly, your system might run longer than needed, increasing the risk of freezing.
What to Do: Make sure your thermostat is set properly and isn’t faulty. A Peaden Pro can test and recalibrate it if needed.
What You Should Do If You See Ice
If you spot ice on your AC—whether on the indoor coil or the outdoor unit—follow these steps immediately:
- Turn off your system to prevent further damage.
- Check and replace your air filter, if needed.
- Allow the ice to melt completely before turning the system back on.
- Call a Peaden Pro for a full diagnostic and repair.
The expert team at Peaden is just a call away. We serve homeowners across Tallahassee with dependable, high-quality AC repairs and maintenance.